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Athens council confirms fire chief and approves performance, lease and zoning measures
Summary
The Athens City Council unanimously confirmed Eric Burnside as fire chief and approved several resolutions and final readings, including a Cain Center performance agreement, a lease amendment for a softball association field, an AEDC MOU to reimburse up to $58,000 for street resurfacing, and multiple zoning/site-plan approvals.
The Athens City Council unanimously confirmed Eric Burnside as the city's new fire chief and approved a string of resolutions, lease and zoning measures during its May 26 regular session.
City Manager Elizabeth Borstad told the council that 26 applicants applied for the fire chief vacancy; staff narrowed the field to 10 who met minimum qualifications, interviewed four finalists and recommended Eric Burnside. The council confirmed the appointment on a motion by Councilmember Bill Priestley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katha Lawyer. Burnside, introduced as currently serving as Fire Chief for the Town of Hollywood Park and holding multiple Texas Commission on Fire Protection certifications, addressed the council and said he is eager to join the Athens team and focus on public safety and emergency response.
Why it matters: The confirmation fills a long'term leadership role for the Fire Department and concludes a multi'round hiring process. At the same meeting the council approved several administrative and land'use decisions that affect recreation facilities, downtown infrastructure and signage rules.
Votes at a glance
- Appointment of Eric Burnside as Fire Chief — Motion: Bill Priestley; Second: Katha Lawyer; Outcome: approved unanimously (motion carried). (Provenance: SEG 002'SEG 003.)
- Cain Center performance agreement (second reading) — The Athens Economic Development Corporation previously included $100,000 in FY26 for Cain Center operations and maintenance. Council approved the second reading of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the performance agreement. Motion: Tres Winn; Second: Katha Lawyer; Outcome: approved unanimously. (Provenance: SEG 004.)
- Amendment to lease adding Field 3 at Cain Park Phase 1 — Staff said TVCC terminated its lease and the Henderson County Girls Softball Association requested to lease Field 3. Council authorized the City Manager to amend the lease. Motion: Katha Lawyer; Second: Bill Priestley; Outcome: approved unanimously. (Provenance: SEG 004'SEG 005.)
- MOU with Athens Economic Development Corporation for resurfacing near Red Dot — AEDC will reimburse the city up to $58,000 for materials to resurface W. College, Pool/Poole and Blackmon Streets; the city will provide labor and equipment. Motion: Tres Winn; Second: Katha Lawyer; Outcome: approved unanimously. (Provenance: SEG 005.)
- Final reading: Detailed site plan for funeral home and mortuary at 607 N. Prairieville St. (Property ID 2320) — Council approved final reading; Roll call: Aaron Smith, Katha Lawyer, Bill Priestley, Debra Wilson, Tres Winn ' Aye (5'0'to''0). (Provenance: SEG 005'SEG 006.)
- Final reading: Zoning change from Single'Family Residential-10 to Office at 507 E. Clinton Ave (Property ID 200057238) — Council approved final reading; Roll call Aye 5''to''0. (Provenance: SEG 006'SEG 007.)
- Final reading: Site-plan amendment for Lot 25, JW Coker Tract (902 NE Loop 317) to permit a 160-square-foot detached electronic sign (60 sq ft larger than allowed) and a wall sign — The ordinance was amended to require the electronic sign to be dimmed to 80% during daylight and 25% at night and to prohibit flashing or strobing that could impair motorists; Jeff Gibbons demonstrated 25% nighttime brightness. Council approved on final reading; Roll call Aye 5''to''0. (Provenance: SEG 007'SEG 010.)
What council directed or noted
- Staff will complete closeout documents for Massey Street sewer abandonment and continue work on South SH 19 water and sewer improvements. Councilmember Debra Wilson expressed concern that the street condition worsened after repairs began. (Provenance: SEG 003'SEG 004.)
- The AEDC reimbursement arrangement requires council approval of the MOU and will limit AEDC'funded material costs to $58,000; the city's labor and equipment costs remain city responsibilities. (Provenance: SEG 005.)
Next steps and context
City staff will execute the approved agreements and implement the site plans and zoning changes as recorded. The appointment of the fire chief is effective as confirmed; the council gave the City Manager authority to sign the Cain Center performance agreement and the lease amendment. The meeting included a separate presentation on an airport layout plan and floodplain mapping that could trigger grant opportunities (see separate article).
